Following a leak last week, Kia has now unveiled its all-new EV3 small fully electric SUV. It comes in as the fourth ‘EV-badged’ model, behind the EV6, EV9, and EV5.
Think of it as the electric sibling to the Seltos. Kia promises a “best-in-class” range of up to 600km, while boasting advanced tech like Kia AI Assistant and over-the-air updates. Production is taking place in China which could potentially help to keep prices down for Australia.
Starting with the design, it’s a rather cute yet chiselled package, with defined edges and a distinct EV theme, and no front grille. Although, Kia describes the front end as showcasing a “robust interpretation” of its ’tiger nose’ template. Around at the back is a thick black trim to give it that rugged SUV look.
Inside you’ll find twin 12.3-inch digital screens, making up the instrument cluster and infotainment system, mounted on one seamless panel, as well as a 5.0-inch screen for the climate controls on a separate panel. Kia would like to point out that recycled fabric is used for the dashboard and door trims, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used in the seats, floor mats, headliner and arm rests.
Boot space is measured at 460L, which is actually quite impressive if you stack it up against Seltos and Seltos-like rivals. This expands to 1250L with the rear seats folded, and you have another 25L under the bonnet. Overall body length is 4300mm, with 1850mm in width and 1560mm in height, riding on a 2680mm wheelbase.
Compared with the Seltos, the EV3 is 85mm shorter in length, 50mm wider, 75mm lower in roof height, and the wheelbase is 50mm longer. That gives you some idea of the increased cabin volume in the EV3.
As for the most interesting part, the powertrains. Kia will be offering two options overseas (Australian details are yet to be confirmed), including a 58.3kWh battery and an 81.4kWh battery. The range of the smaller battery is yet to be confirmed but the big battery offers an impressive 600km.
Interestingly, both battery setups feed a single electric motor that generates 150kW and 283Nm, good for 0-100km/h in a claimed 7.5 seconds. Aside from the range differences, the max charging rates are slightly different between the two, with the smaller setup maxing out at 102kW in DC power and the bigger at 128kW.
Kia says the EV3 will be first introduced in its home market in Korea in July, followed by Europe in the second half of the year. A sporty GT-Line will be offered, but it is not yet know if Kia will offer a performance GT version like the EV6 and upcoming EV9 GT. Kia Australia has confirmed it will go on sale locally in 2025.